Camera System Arriving Second Semester​The Measure H bond is supplying 10 to 12 more security cameras to campus in spring 2017By: Matthew Andrejka and Lauryn LuescherOn the morning of the 2016 election, Nov. 8, students arrived on campus to see stenciled graffiti opposing Donald Trump on the wall of the PAC. Five months earlier, after graduation, buckets of white paint were used to vandalize classes on the west side of campus, including the classrooms of Jake Hernandez and Karen Fahrner​.The June vandalism cost the district $4,614 to clean up, according to district Director of Operations, Facilities, and Construction Steve Adamo. Both acts increased the calls for security cameras on campus, something the district has been discussing for several years.

“I think the teachers had a pretty good idea who did it, but without the cameras, we just don’t know,” Hernandez said. “At the same time, maybe those people didn't do it, you can also falsely accuse someone without the evidence.”

The Measure H bond, issued in November 2012, gave San Jose Unified School District $290 million to upgrade schools throughout the district. Security camera installation will be completed under Measure H’s Safety and Security project as a district-wide effort to increase protection and stability. Currently, there is one existing camera overlooking the Pioneer parking lot and the district plans on adding 10 to 12 more in spring 2017.

Luis Torres, campus supervisor, explained the need for cameras in situations like the Trump vandalism. “Without cameras, if nobody saw it, it pretty much didn't happen. It makes no difference,” Torres said.

In addition to potentially preventing crime, cameras could also deter unwelcome visitors when campus is closed. English teacher Dorothy Nguyen, who often works late on campus, noticed students and vagrants while working late nights or weekends and felt on edge.

“It's one of those safety measures that schools and businesses have, malls have cameras, a lot of schools have cameras,” Principal Herbert Espiritu said. “I think the district, from taking the survey from the community and the staff, they felt that it was a security measure that they wanted to take.”